Yosemite is a massive elopement destination in Northern California, Beautiful views in every directions, hikes for all levels or a view five feet from your car, in years past almost every season offered amazing opportunity for some cliff views without much hiking! 2021 will be the last year Glacier Point Rd will be open before they start construction in 2022, Click here for more information about the construction

Pick a general Season you would like to Elope!

Yosemite is magical no matter the time of year but their are times that some special things happen in Yosemite Valley, January you can see the falling from Yosemite Falls early in the morning, along with snow, and LESS Crowds!! February you get to see the magic of Fire Falls, when the sun sets at the perfect position to cause a fiery glow on Bridal Veil falls! Each season has benefits, summer month is beautiful and warm, but typically busier then any other time of year! You will want to find a season that works for you and then narrow down from there! I often find its best to keep to a general period and then contact vendors, being flexible on your date helps you book first picks of vendor rather than who might be available! Your elopement is about you guys everything else can be secondary!

pick out your vendors

PLEASE don’t feel limited to just a photographer and videographer; you have options, you can have a picnic and beautiful flowers, cut a cake! Finding an oficiant can be difficult, some couples choose to have a friend or family member officiate their elopement, or my husband since he is licensed if you need someone!

3. Get your permits

It is vital to get the permits for your elopement, following this rule will allow others to continue getting married in these glorious locations. Every National Park has a different process for getting permits for your ceremony, but with Yosemite NP you need to fill out the application for a special use permit in the area you plan to be in and then send in a check by mail to recieve your permit, this reserves your location for a given time and covers your ceremony. From there your photographer will get a permit to cover the rest of your time in the park! There are too many epic views, but we can choose a few to make your day perfect! Learn More about Permits here!

4. Decide on guest count

You can have family at your elopement ceremony, at the end of the day I don’t want you to have any regrets. NO REGERTS! Invite your close friends if you can’t imagine not having them to celebrate with you! Invite your family if you have been dreaming about having a first look with your mom. But don’t invite someone because you are concerned about them being angry.

5. Find your accommodations

Keep in mind most places to stay will be a decent drive to and from the park!! I have linked a few of my favorite spots!

Autocamp yosemite : stay in an airstream, cabin, or luxury tent only an hour from the Valley

AirBNB Spots : A ton of cute options all around Yosemite, pick the best one for you!

Yosemite View Lodge: Only 22 minutes from the Valley, Gorgeous views!

Camping in the Valley : Stay in the Valley, epic views and the greatest way to watch the sunrise!

Just a few spots, there are so many more to look into!

 

6. Pick your wedding attire

At the end of the day, feel beautiful and feel like yourself! There is no right or wrong way to dress during your elopement, many couples start in hiking gear depending on where they are doing their first look or ceremony. So wear the cape with the hiking boots, just feel beautiful! Wear two dresses, have a dress change between sections, feel free to decide and change your mind and change it again!

But here are some of my favorites!!

BHLDN : Romantic dresses, separates, and accesories!

A&Bé Bridal Shop : Such freaking dreamy collections! Multiple locations and gorgeous options!

Lulus Bridal : No regrets about dirtying the dress when its one that’s beautiful but cost effective!

Asos Bridal : Beautiful bridal pieces at a wide range of prices!

7. The most important thing: Enjoy and Relax

You are going to one of the most beautiful places in the world Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view, take a picnic at Glacier Point, Cuddle in El Capitan Valley and watch the climbers, and watch the golden sunset at Taft Point!

Eloping in Yosemite is an absolute dream, and it can be yours!